Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Consider supporting our mission to share hope with families who have a baby born prematurely or critically ill. We thank our supporters, Preemie Prints volunteers, and donors for allowing us to continue touching the lives of NICU, preemie, and angel families.

We pray these special memories from Preemie Prints

will help families heal and remember how strong

they were in overcoming their NICU journey together.

A NICU STORY | THOUGHTS FROM MOM

“Twin baby girls born on September 20th at 34
weeks.

Baby girl A: 3lbs 11oz; Baby girl B: 4lbs 12oz

My First time at the NICU was in 2012. I had my
first born daughter at 25 weeks. She was 1lb 9 oz. This was very devastating to
me and I sometimes felt like a failure. What kind of mother is not able to
carry her child to full term? I blamed myself, but of course there was nothing
I could do to prevent the pre term birth.

The staff at the NICU were very loving,
understanding and helpful. Through God's help, they helped my husband and I
cope with setbacks that our daughter experienced. They also celebrated with us
whenever our daughter accomplished a milestone. They fully prepared us on what
to expect with her and fully equipped us to handle whatever came our way. She
stayed in the NICU for 93 days.

The family services at the NICU were also second
to none. We are forever grateful for the services and care that the NICU staff
give, not only to our precious babies, but also family members.

The second time was no different. The NICU staff
was there for us, every step of the way. I thank God that I was able to carry
the twins longer this time. Baby girl A stayed in the NICU for around 8 days
and baby B stayed for 14 days.

All of our daughters are doing great! First born
is now 3 years old. Though tiny, she is beautiful, smart and strong. She is a
fast learner and a happy girl. She amazes us by how much she has grown and
developed.

The twins are also doing awesome! One of them is
a little behind, but we see improvements with her everyday. They are happy,
beautiful and playful babies.

Even though this journey has its challenges, my
husband and I are still grateful for it. We have become stronger, wiser and
closer.”

The beautiful princess picture above was born at
25 weeks 1 pound 9 ounces and is now 3 years old!

A Note
From Marion:

“Jennifer and Solomon are
incredibly strong parents. Their beautiful twins, Taraji and Anisa, are 34
weekers who just turned 1 on September 20th!
But their twins were not their first round in the NICU as their
daughter, Sifa (now 3) was also a 25 weeker.
The joy these daughters bring to Jennifer and Solomon is so
obvious. You would never know, now, what
they have been through! Taraji gave me
lots of sweet smiles, but Anisa was a bit tired of modeling that evening. We
were still able to capture some great expressions! I know the photo with the three sisters isn’t
all smiles, but I love that they are all looking at one another - I think it
truly shows the bond of family, and the power and strength of preemies. God bless this beautiful family!”

Photos belong to our volunteer photographers, families,

and organization please do not use for any purpose.

____________________________________________

Preemie Prints is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sharing hope with NICU families through a variety of support programs. One of those programs is the gift of NICU photography and preemie photography. NICU families from across the US can request a no-charge photography session by a Preemie Prints volunteer. The family request from can be found on the right side of our website. These sessions are free of charge and for any NICU family, regardless of time spent in the NICU. The NICU photo shoot can take place inside the NICU or after baby is discharged and at home until their 1st birthday. Facing time in a NICU with a premature or critically ill baby is an extremely difficult time for families. Preemie Prints has a mission to share hope by letting families know they are not alone. Preemie Prints currently has over 100 volunteers nationwide. We are always looking for more volunteers to share in our mission! If you are interested, please email sherri@preemieprints.org and visit our website at www.preemieprints.org. To date Preemie Prints and our volunteers have gifted over 400 NICU family sessions.

This was a Preemie Prints NICU graduate photography session that took place near Columbus, OH.

We're thankful to the family for sharing their story & memories in support of other NICU families.